We agreed to set sail, so you'd become the ruler of the deep sea?

Chapter 71 [The Heart of Steam]

It didn't take long.

Faia left the tavern dejectedly.

His reason for wanting to touch Xia En was not out of any strange motive, but simply to check on the other person's physical condition.

And now, he has the answer.

"It really is a pure flesh and blood body, without any trace of modification or mutation."

"The activity of their blood and muscles is more than ten times that of mine..."

"Is this really a human body that can be possessed?"

"Could it be... that I'm wrong? And he's right?"

Watching Feiya's departing figure, Xia En hesitated for a moment, but still did not chase after her to ask about the steam turbine.

As a priest of the Steam Church, Fia is probably somewhat "broken in his faith" at this moment, so it would be best to let him calm down first.

It was still early, so Xia En wasn't in a hurry to leave.

So they sat down in the tavern, had some snacks, and inquired about information regarding the [Blood Moon Night].

Perhaps because of his previous battle with Feiya, the nearby guests kept their distance from him.

But taverns have always been the places with the best sources of information.

Xia En gained a lot of valuable information simply by listening in.

First of all, the [Blood Moon Night] will occur on the night of the full moon, which will be half a month from now.

Moreover, once the "blood moon" appears on the sea, it does not disappear overnight, but lasts for a full month.

Every night thereafter, the blood moon would appear as scheduled.

The moon on the sea will not return to its original state until the next full moon night arrives.

According to some practitioners of the secret path, the space beneath the blood moon is a special kind of "secret realm".

It exists neither in the present world nor in the sea.

There are many names for this kind of "secret realm".

For example, spacetime rifts, alternate dimensions, the world of shadows, remnants of the past...

In the Seven Seas, there are actually quite a few such "gaps," but "Blood Moon Night" is more well-known in the surrounding waters.

However, to Xia En's surprise...

After making inquiries, little information was available about the interior of the [Blood Moon Secret Realm].

At most, it can only be said that it is an ancient site without seawater.

The other information is scarce.

That makes sense when you think about it.

Once we enter the Blood Moon Realm, everyone will be a competitor, and even if we have reliable information, we won't share it.

At that moment, the conversation of several guests caught Shane's attention.

"Speaking of which, it seems the Thunder Pirates will be coming to the [Blood Moon Night] event, right?"

“That’s right, the captain of the Thunder [Thunder], ‘Thunder Fang’ Loren, has been stuck at the second-tier Mystic Path for several years.”

Another person confidently stated, "He's definitely here to use the secret treasures in the Blood Moon Realm to advance his cultivation level in one fell swoop."

"Not only the Thunderclap, but also the Skyhawk and the Siren will be coming this time!"

"Their ships all have second-tier secret cultivators, and the bounties are frighteningly high!"

The guests' words unconsciously carried a sense of awe and envy.

First-tier Secret Path Masters are beyond their reach, let alone second-tier Secret Path Masters.

"However, I've also heard that... the captain of the Siren is a great beauty, and many pirates have fallen at her feet."

"Hehe, that's right! 'Thunder Fang' Loren has been obsessed with her, and has been rejected several times after confessing his love..."

When the topic of gossip came up, the sailors all wore knowing smiles and chatted with great interest.

Xia En had no interest in gossip; he simply pondered the information he had gathered.

"A second-tier Mystic?"

He felt a sense of urgency.

It possesses the powerful attributes brought by [Captain's Protection], plus the "second stage" of [Communicating with Ship Soul].

Xia En is virtually unmatched among first-tier professionals, but the situation could be reversed when he encounters a second-tier Mystic.

On the secret path, with each step you ascend, your strength will undergo a leap forward.

The higher the level of the Secret Pathfinder, the greater the difference in skill. In addition to pirates and scattered ships from other islands, Silvermoon Island Governor "Viper Quinn" also sends elite forces to explore the [Blood Moon Secret Realm].

There must be at least some second-tier secret cultivators among them.

There might even be Tier 3 Mystic Path users!
In this way, Xia En's current strength is clearly insufficient.

"We need to find the sellers of the steam turbines and cannons quickly and finalize this."

"I hope the attribute boosts from this comprehensive upgrade won't disappoint me!"

Xia En stroked his chin and thought to himself.

"One more thing... [The Siren]?"

"Could that female captain be connected to the siren?"

……

……

After gathering intelligence, Shane was preparing to return to the dock to check on the progress of the Black Swan's refit.

They happened to run into Ganis, who was jogging along, sweating profusely.

"Captain Shane, we have news about the seller we found for you before!"

As Ganis wiped his sweat, he said, "He happens to have an ancient artifact unearthed from the Rusty City called the Heart of Steam, which should be helpful for upgrading your ship."

"Moreover, that young master happens to be available now and is willing to meet with you in person."

A look of surprise flashed in Shane's eyes: "Great! Thank you, Mr. Garness!"

"Please lead the way for me."

Not long after.

Guided by Ganis, Shane arrived at an ancient castle situated on higher ground on Silvermoon Island.

The castle is built of black stones with faint dark red patterns.

The profound sense of historical accumulation is fully revealed.

However, on the side of the castle, you can see many metal pipes and valves built along the walls, some of which are still actively spewing steam and making hissing noises.

It gives people a sense of incongruity, being both advanced and ancient.

squeak-

The castle gates slowly opened.

A silver-haired, black-eyed butler stood guard at the door and bowed respectfully.

"Welcome, both of you. However, the young master is currently in his routine prayers, so please wait a moment."

While waiting, Xia En silently observed his surroundings.

The atmosphere of this hall is simple yet elegant.

Ancient and luxurious blend together, tranquility and solemnity coexist.

The murals on the walls depict sacred scenes resembling sacrificial rituals, while the butler and maids in the distance are elegant and poised.

Xia En was secretly surprised.

The scene inside this castle evokes images of ancient nobles with excellent upbringing and family traditions.

In comparison, I, with several hundred gold dragon coins in hand, am just a nouveau riche.

Before long, the silver-haired butler stepped forward.

"Young Master's prayer is over. Please follow me."

Xia En followed the butler to a door.

laugh--

Thick white steam leaked out as the door opened, bringing a damp and warm feel.

Strange steam-generating devices can be seen everywhere in the white steam.

The spherical steam boiler hummed deeply, its brass pipes, levers, and gears working in haphazard harmony, like inseparable friends.

Standing among the numerous sophisticated instruments was a petite figure dressed in exquisite attire.

He said in an elegant and clear tone, "Welcome to my castle, my friend."

May the steam bless you...

"Holy crap! Brother Shane?"

(End of this chapter)